Lorna Borrett (She/Her)
BA (Hons), I.S.T.D, B.B.O
Lorna began dancing when she was just 2 years old! She studied Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Disco and Contemporary to advanced level gaining a BA (HONS) in Performing Arts Specialising in Dance from Middlesex University, London. Following this Lorna gained a scholarship to complete an additional diploma at the Scottish School Of Contemporary Dance.
In 2004, after several years of dancing and choreographing professionally, Lorna decided she would like to explore teaching opportunities and this was when she truly found her passion. In England she taught for various private dance schools, mainstream education schools and also developed her own dance and fitness business. In 2006 Lorna decided she would like to work overseas, which is when she moved to New Zealand, now her home.
In the past Lorna has been a tutor at Whitireia Tertiary Education Institute NZ, teaching on the Commercial Dance and Musical Theatre diploma and degree courses. She has adjudicated dance competitions around the country over many years, appeared numerous times on TV One's "Good Morning" Show teaching Pilates segments and has choreographed and acted in numerous theatre shows.
Lorna is also the principal and owner of Leaping Lizards School of Dance, a dance school for kids, is the co-owner of Wellington's exquisite dance studio, Dancetopia, and mum to seven year old Archie.
Jamie Moore (She/Her)
Jamie started dancing at the age of 5 in North Carolina. She studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and modern and performed with jazz and ballet pre-professional companies.
She went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Political Science. While at university she performed with local companies and spent a semester studying contemporary dance at Unitec in Auckland.
Jamie taught dance in North Carolina for 8 years and was the director of a pre-professional contemporary and choreography company. She has also worked for the Joffrey Ballet School in both New York City and San Francisco.
In 2021 Jamie moved back to New Zealand to reconnect with the country her family is from. She has continued dancing and teaching in Wellington and is excited and honoured to share her passion for dance at Spiritus!
Deborah Donkin (She/Her)
Returning to dance as an adult, Deborah spent a large amount of her twenties dancing and learning tap and jazz routines in the UK that were performed on stage twice a year, every year, for many years.
When her three children were young Deborah started a small dance school teaching tap to children aged between 3 and 11 years old. This school ran for over four years and then she took a break to travel. Deborah returned to teaching in 2018 with our sister school for children, Leaping Lizards School of Dance.
In 2022 Deborah joined the team as our Beginner Tap teacher. Deborah's fun personality makes her classes a blast!
Olivia Watts (She/Her)
Olivia's dance journey began at the age of 2½, and she has been a passionate dancer ever since. Starting with ballet, she studied RAD and ISTD syllabi, before expanding her skills across a variety of styles. She has trained in Jazz (ADJA), Modern (ISTD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary (NZAMD), and, of course, Hip Hop.
Currently a student at Te Auaha, Olivia is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Creativity with a specialisation in Commercial Dance. In 2024, she earned a Diploma in Commercial Dance.
Olivia has teaching experience with several studios in her hometown and Wellington. She holds both Bronze (Assistant Teacher) and Silver (Teacher) accreditations in Ready Set Dance, showcasing her dedication to education and development.
In her final year of high school, Olivia was awarded the prestigious Performing Arts Dux and received the overall Dance Academy award. She led troupes at Dance NZ Made and has been part of many winning groups herself, solidifying her place as a talented and accomplished performer.
Olivia is thrilled to be teaching Hip Hop classes at Spiritus, and our sister school Leaping Lizards, as well as leading Hip Hop competition troupes at Leaping Lizards. She is excited to share her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm with her students and looks forward to exploring the dynamic world of Hip Hop together, seeing her students grow as dancers and as a community.